Milan and Como will play a Serie A match in Perth, Australia, for the first time in history on the weekend of February 7-8, 2026. This extraordinary decision comes because Milan's home stadium, San Siro, will be occupied by the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina on February 6, 2026, making it unavailable for the match. Perth was chosen due to its strong connections with AC Milan, including past matches and a large fanbase in Australia, as well as active commercial and social ties. The distance from Milan to Perth is about 13,812 kilometers. The move marks the first Serie A match to be played outside Italy and Europe.
Why Perth and Australia?
- Perth and Western Australia have shown strong interest and actively supported bringing Serie A games there.
- AC Milan has a significant Australian fanbase of over 2 million fans spread across major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide.
- AC Milan has held previous matches and tours in Australia, reinforcing its relationship with the country.
- The match is part of a broader strategy to connect with fans in the Asia-Pacific region, where Milan has millions of followers.
Significance
- It will be the first time a Serie A match is played outside Italy and Europe.
- The relocation is primarily due to logistical reasons related to the Olympics rather than commercial incentives, although commercial opportunities exist.
This unique event highlights the evolving global nature of football and the special ties between AC Milan, the city of Perth, and Australia.
